Strip club tax sent to governor

SPRINGFIELD --- Strip clubs that sell booze or let people drink alcoholic beverages would face a new tax under a measure the Illinois House sent to the governor today.

Lawmakers approved the strip club tax 92-23, with three voting present. The money would go to support rape crisis centers, which have seen funds drop about 28 percent over the past five years.

A strip club operator would have two options under the measure. The operator could charge a $3 admission fee or pay taxes based on how much money they take in.

An operator making $2 million or more per year would pay a $25,000 tax. Those making $500,000 to $2 million would pay $15,000 annually. Operators making less than $500,000 a year would have a $5,000 tax.

Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights, asked why the industry is being singled out and questioned whether the government should be "picking losers and winners" when it decides who to tax. He then voted "present."